A pair of contrasting QB starts

Virginia's Peter Lalich, when he was charged with unlawful possession of alcohol. And Southern California's Mark Sanchez, when he dislocated his kneecap in practice and sent Men of Troy Nation into full-throttle panic mode.

And they came together, as opposing quarterbacks, Saturday afternoon at Scott Stadium.

Lalich made the first start of his short career, and Sanchez took over a program that considers an 11-2 finish reason for catharsis. The result, a 52-7 USC win that was over right after the national anthem, was predictable. As was the fact that Sanchez had the better day.

But Lalich, who played in eight games last year as a true freshman, showed flashes. His numbers (18-of-35, 155 yards) were OK. But he made some mistakes — including three turnovers, an interception he had no business throwing and two fumbles.

He also made some throws, at times looking off his first option to find a better one. His first completion of any substance, a 14-yard out route to Maurice Covington, was a perfect throw. He had a few more like that. Just, obviously, not nearly enough.

Getting Virginia coach Al Groh to compliment any of his players after a loss ain't easy. And before anyone had the chance to ask him about Lalich's day, Groh volunteered, "our quarterback turned the ball over too much." Later, when asked, he acknowledged the kid had done "a pretty decent job."

True, quarterbacks are judged largely by the game's result. And in that regard, Lalich didn't do anything Matt Schaub or Marques Hagans or Aaron Brooks didn't do (as in, lose in their first start). Schaub, who became the all-time leading passer in UVa history, completed 3 of 10 passes with two interceptions (including a pick-six) in a loss at Wisconsin.

And it's extremely doubtful that Lalich will see a better defense this year. "A very talented team," he said.

A 20-year-old man of few words, to be sure. With the starting job officially up in the air between him, Scott Deke and Marc Verica, the quarterbacks were put off limits to the media. Even Saturday, when asked when he found out he would be the starter, Lalich answered, "I'm not allowed to talk about that."

For Sanchez, as gregarious with the press as Lalich is reserved, this starting thing isn't completely new. When John David Booty was injured last year, Sanchez started three games. USC went 3-0 with him directing the offense.

The Trojans believe Sanchez can deliver them to their first national title since 2004 (hey, that's a serious drought for these guys). He did nothing to change that opinion Saturday by completing 26 of 35 (74 percent) for 338 yards and three touchdowns. He hit on 16 of 19 in the first half, including 12 in a row at one point.

"He made some great throws," Virginia linebacker Clint Sintim said. "He's a lot more mobile than we thought considering his knee."

The knee could have been an issue. It wasn't until Tuesday that Sanchez officially was cleared by the team's medical staff to play.

"The knee is 100 percent," said Sanchez, who went on to praise the team doctor, trainer, water boy, etc., for his recovery. "It's only the first game of the year, but it's a good way to start. It's exciting to know I got this one under my belt and the knee feels 100 percent."

Sanchez's 26 completions went to eight receivers. He threw a lot of underneath routes and screens, but he also uncorked his arm for a 49-yard touchdown in the third quarter. He credited his offensive line, of course, and he should have. There were times he looked as if he was waiting for a bus.

"We call it 'cooking steaks,' " he said, "as in, that's how much time you have back there."

Whether Sanchez leads USC to the promised land is to be seen — a huge step comes in two weeks against Ohio State. As for Lalich, he has Richmond next week, a game he'll likely start (he's probably not allowed to talk about that, either) . But unlike Sanchez, he hasn't arrived. Not yet.

"I was encouraged about some things today, but some things I need to improve upon," Lalich said. "It was my first start. All I can hope to do is improve every week."